Kodak has unveiled a series of new products and innovations related to the digital labels and packaging markets.
Firstly there is a new, wider version of the Uteco Saphhire Evo press, a 1.25m wide machine designed for the flexible packaging market. Marketed as the ‘first digital packaging press to match the productivity of flexo and the quality of gravure,’ the Sapphire EVO W uses Kodak’s high-resolution Ultrasteam Inkjet Technology and QD Packaging Inks.
Already available worldwide, Kodak describes the Sapphire EVO W as a ‘Disruptive solution that allows brands to adopt innovative packaging that leverages the advantages of digital printing.’
Then there is the Prosper Ultra 520, a 520mm wide, roll-fed inkjet printer intended primarily for commercial, direct mail and transactional print but possibly to be adapted for cartons and maybe corrugated printing as well.
The Prosper Ultra 520 builds on its predecessor, the Prosper 6000, and boasts productions speeds of 150m/min on glossy papers with high ink coverage and variable print. It is scheduled to be available by the end of this year.
Finally there is Prinergy on Demand, a scalable subscription based workflow that supports third party presses and other hardware, not just Kodak’s.
‘Kodak is investing approximately $25 million a year in advancing print technology, doubling down on digital print and delivering the products our customers need to drive productivity and growth as the industry evolves,’ said executive chairman Jim Continenza. ‘Printers can rely on the full range of Kodak Solutions from offset plates to workflow software to digital presses, to deliver performance that pays.’
